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Drug interactions

Azathioprine + Rilonacept

Severity: Moderate

Azathioprine and Rilonacept: moderate interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Rilonacept blocks interleukin-1 signalling and, combined with azathioprine, may increase the risk of infections. Clinical data on the combination are limited.

What this interaction means in plain words

Azathioprine and Rilonacept can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Azathioprine belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Rilonacept belongs to Miscellaneous.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Additive immunosuppression from IL-1 blockade and inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation.

What to do

Monitor for signs of infection and avoid starting rilonacept during active infection. Review the need for each immunosuppressant regularly.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Azathioprine with Rilonacept?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azathioprine and Rilonacept can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Rilonacept blocks interleukin-1 signalling and, combined with azathioprine, may increase the risk of infections. Clinical data on the combination are limited.

How serious is the interaction between Azathioprine and Rilonacept?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for signs of infection and avoid starting rilonacept during active infection. Review the need for each immunosuppressant regularly.

What other medicines interact with Azathioprine?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Azathioprine with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Bcg vaccine live, Febuxostat. The full list is on the Azathioprine page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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